Retro Cellars
Napa Valley Petite Sirah
Howell Mountain, Napa Valley, California, USA
Always love these Petite Sirahs from Mike Dunn, and this 2012 seems to be especially special. Dark purplish red. Overall lots of dark characteristics on the nose with tight bramble berries, black currants, spices, dried violets, a little cinnamon and even coriander. Even got a little gamey and savory with an hour or two in the glass. Heavy tannins (7/10) but smooth and full bodied. Kept beefing up as it sat open, currants on the attack, iron, smokey and a bit meaty. Larger in the mid-palate with some dark crushed rocks. Dark fruits coming through at the end after day one. Insanely dry and long with a nice little spice kick in the finish. Will drink well for the next decade or so. Drink till 2027.
Always love these Petite Sirahs from Mike Dunn, and this 2012 seems to be especially special. Dark purplish red. Overall lots of dark characteristics on the nose with tight bramble berries, black currants, spices, dried violets, a little cinnamon and even coriander. Even got a little gamey and savory with an hour or two in the glass. Heavy tannins (7/10) but smooth and full bodied. Kept beefing up as it sat open, currants on the attack, iron, smokey and a bit meaty. Larger in the mid-palate with some dark crushed rocks. Dark fruits coming through at the end after day one. Insanely dry and long with a nice little spice kick in the finish. Will drink well for the next decade or so. Drink till 2027.
Sep 21st, 2017
Inky, purply-black on opening, with an immediately alluring bouquet of violets and licorice. The palate is full of black fruits and is quite open with minimal air. There are plenty of tannins lurking here in the background, but they’re well hidden behind the impressive fruit and only really make their presence known in the finish. Very tasty now, but certainly no rush by any means.
Inky, purply-black on opening, with an immediately alluring bouquet of violets and licorice. The palate is full of black fruits and is quite open with minimal air. There are plenty of tannins lurking here in the background, but they’re well hidden behind the impressive fruit and only really make their presence known in the finish. Very tasty now, but certainly no rush by any means.
Feb 2nd, 2019We both really liked this. First sampled at a Howell Mtn tasting event a few years ago. Tonight, it’s even better than I remembered. Inky violet color and full bodied, but the tannins are rounded and the wine is thoroughly enjoyable even at this relatively young age. Dark and lovely, right to the last drop. I need to find more.
We both really liked this. First sampled at a Howell Mtn tasting event a few years ago. Tonight, it’s even better than I remembered. Inky violet color and full bodied, but the tannins are rounded and the wine is thoroughly enjoyable even at this relatively young age. Dark and lovely, right to the last drop. I need to find more.
Nov 14th, 2018A soft nose of blueberries and mocha gave way to a strong palate of blackberries and wood (cedar?). Strong grippy tannins and moderate acidity of typical of a petite sirah, but the lower alcohol level (13.4%) made this quite different compared to other Petites. Really a fascinating wine with a lot of depth that shows the care of the winemaker. Decanted and let stand for about 20 minutes. Drank over 2+ hours.
A soft nose of blueberries and mocha gave way to a strong palate of blackberries and wood (cedar?). Strong grippy tannins and moderate acidity of typical of a petite sirah, but the lower alcohol level (13.4%) made this quite different compared to other Petites. Really a fascinating wine with a lot of depth that shows the care of the winemaker. Decanted and let stand for about 20 minutes. Drank over 2+ hours.
Jun 13th, 2018
Christopher had this 6 years ago
Christopher had this 6 years ago
Nov 22nd, 2018
